*BOBs 101*
By: Kosh
23 May 2004

May 16-22, 2004 was National EMS Week. Our local volunteer ambulance service had an open house for the week. Between our natural weather patterns in this area and some convenient local natural emergencies in very recent history, I decided this area was ripe for a dose of Preparedness 101. So for my contribution to the open house, I set up a display of a "72-Hour Bag." That’s a BOB in Rubicon-ese.

We figure we had about sixty people come by during our four-day open house. In addition to the display I posted pictures of, I gave our visitors, and a few ambulance crewmembers, the following handout.

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In the event of a natural disaster such as a tornado, a flood or a severe winter storm, it can take local, state or federal relief agencies three days or more - 72 hours - to come to the aid of victims.

To paraphrase Ben Franklin, an ounce of preparation might prevent a ton of discomfort.

The American Red Cross and the Department of Homeland Security are now recommending you keep emergency supplies in your house so you can be self-sufficient for up to two weeks or longer. This includes food, water and equipment so you can provide the necessities of life: air, water, shelter, warmth and energy long enough to get yourself out of the predicament, or long enough for others to bring those necessities to you.

The 72-Hour Bag is designed to allow you to be self-sufficient for 72 hours from your car.

This sample list shows the types of things you should include.

There are many thousands of Internet Web Sites that address the issues of preparedness for emergencies. The following are a small sampling of what is available for more information on these topics. If you do not have access to the Internet or are not comfortable doing an Internet search for yourself, remember that public libraries in this area usually have Internet access and have personnel available to help you find this information.

http://www.redcross.org/services/0,1103,0_313_,00.html

Red Cross Family Disaster Plan

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_3_,00.html

Red Cross Preparedness Kit

http://www.redcross.org/services/disaster/0,1082,0_601_,00.html

Red Cross Emergency Handbook

http://www.southwhidbey.com/emergency.htm

http://www.fema.gov

http://www.ready.gov/

Compass

Flashlight with batteries

Extra batteries

Whistle (for distress signaling)

Space blankets (for each person)

Trash Bags

Baggies

Hunting Knife

Multi-Tool

Parachute cord, 50 feet

Emergency candle

Relighting candles

Fire Starter Balls

Lighters

Tear gas spray

Water purifier

Pen & Paper

Bandanas (one orange, one other)

First Aid Kit

Money - $20 in small bills

Coins for telephone calls

Emergency survival cards

Small sewing kit

Glue sticks

Reading glasses

Deck of Playing Cards

(One set for each person)

Underwear (x3)

Socks (x3)

T-Shirts (x2)

Long Pants

Belt

Light Jacket

Fleece pants (or sweat suit pants)

Thermal Underwear

Wool socks

Knit cap

Warm Gloves

Toothbrushes

Toothpaste

Deodorant

Comb

Cotton swabs

Brush

Chap Stick

Bar of soap

Nail clippers

Shampoo

Hand lotion

Toilet Paper

Feminine Supplies

Wet Wipes

Waterless Hand Sanitizer

Towel

Peanut butter

Granola bars

Energy bars

Jerky

Metal Cup (for each person)

Knife, Fork, & Spoon (for each person)

Water

Extra flashlight with batteries

Chemical light sticks

CB Radio or cell phone

Extra shoes

Work gloves

Extra cash

Extra food

Always carry an emergency tool kit and repair supplies.

Keep emergency road flares in you car to use when you break down. They can also be used to signal for help.

Never let your car’s gas tank get lower than ½ full. If power goes out, service stations can’t pump gas. Carry an empty 1-gallon gas can. Never store gas in your trunk.

Always keep road maps or a Road Atlas in your car in case the road you know is blocked by the disaster. The map will help you find your way around the problem.

In winter, keep an ice scraper, a small shovel and an old sleeping bag or extra blanket in your car.

* * * * * * * * * *

Remember, this was a display targeted at the general public, new to the idea of preparedness. I tried to keep things. I used politically correct websites like the American Red Cross, FEMA, and the Dept. of Homeland Security, specifically, their sites for preparedness plans and kits. This way I gave more perceived credibility to the idea.

This was not a static display. I was at the station at all times (16 hour over four days). I explained the concept to each person or family that came to the station. I let them handle, examine, question, etc. the whole display.

I was pleased with the response I got. Sure there were some people that got that glazed-eyed look pretty quick. Pure sheeple. But there were several really paid attention, especially some of the couples with children. I got a good amount of intelligent questions, and saw quite a few signs of true interest in the concept.

I think I planted a few seeds this week.
Kosh

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